Sunlight streamed through the window, bathing Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er in its glow. They sat facing each other, their faces radiant with contentment and happiness. At that moment, a warm feeling welled up in Xiao Yichen's heart. He thought of the servants in the General's Mansion, these people who silently dedicated themselves to the household, who were also an indispensable part of the General's Mansion. In this joyous moment, they should also share in this happiness.

Xiao Yichen turned to Lin Wan'er, his eyes filled with inquiry and expectation: "Wan'er, this breakfast was so delicious today. I think it's not just a joy for the two of us, but also a testament to the hard work of the servants in the General's Mansion. I'd like to invite them to join us for a meal. What do you think?"

Lin Wan'er was slightly taken aback, then a hint of surprise and agreement flashed in her eyes: "General, this is a very good idea. The servants have always worked hard, and now that we have returned in triumph and are enjoying this peace and delicious food, we should not forget their contributions."

Having said that, Xiao Yichen immediately instructed the maid beside him to inform everyone in the mansion. The maid obeyed and left, her steps light and quick as she moved through the courtyard and corridors.

The news spread quickly throughout the general's mansion. When the servants heard that the general and Miss Lin were inviting them to dine together, they were all filled with a mixture of surprise and trepidation. In their hearts, the general and Miss Lin were high and mighty, and that providing them with food, lodging, and protection was already a great favor. They had never imagined that one day they would be able to dine at the same table as their masters.

Butler Li was the first to arrive at the dining room, his face filled with excitement and unease: "General, Miss Lin, this... how can this be? We are of lowly status, how dare we dine at the same table as the General and Miss Lin?"

Xiao Yichen stood up, smiled, and walked to Uncle Li's side, gently patting him on the shoulder: "Uncle Li, you have been loyal to the General's Mansion for many years, managing all the affairs of the mansion, like a pillar of the General's Mansion. Today's meal is not just a meal, but also a thank you and recognition for everyone's hard work over the years. Let's not be bound by status, let's celebrate this hard-won peace together."

Lin Wan'er also stood up and said, "Uncle Li, the general is right. In this mansion, we are all one family, and there is no distinction between us."

Upon hearing this, tears welled up in Li Bo's eyes, and he nodded repeatedly: "This old servant thanks the General and Miss Lin for their kindness. It is truly a blessing for us that the General and Miss Lin are so considerate of our plight."

With Li Bo's arrival, the other servants also came to the dining room one after another. They stood at the door, looking at Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er with some restraint, not daring to enter without permission.

Seeing this, Xiao Yichen smiled and said, "Everyone, please come in. There's no need to be so polite."

The servants then cautiously entered the dining room and sat down at the tables in turn. They sat upright, their eyes still holding a hint of reverence.

Seeing the servants' slightly tense expressions, Lin Wan'er said softly, "Everyone, please relax today and treat this place as your own home."

To ease the servants' tension, Xiao Yichen spoke first, chatting with them about everyday matters: "Uncle Li, while I was away from the manor, everything has been going smoothly, hasn't it?"

Li Bo hurriedly replied, "General, rest assured, this old servant has been carefully managing the affairs of the manor as you have instructed. It's just that while you were fighting bravely on the battlefield, this old servant was worried about your safety every day. Now that you have returned safely, this old servant can finally put his mind at ease."

A servant responsible for cleaning the courtyard also mustered up his courage and said, "General, you don't know, every time news of your victory reaches the manor, we are all overjoyed. Everyone gathers together to talk about your heroic deeds on the battlefield."

Xiao Yichen smiled and asked, "Oh? What are you all talking about?"

The servant said excitedly, "We all say that the general is a god of war descended to earth, invincible in battle. You led our Rong Kingdom's army and defeated the Mu Kingdom's army time and time again, winning dignity and peace for our Rong Kingdom. And Miss Lin, your mind-reading ability is even more amazing. On the battlefield, you have helped the general see through the enemy's conspiracies and tricks many times. We all admire you to the point of prostration."

Upon hearing this, Lin Wan'er couldn't help but laugh and said, "I only contributed my meager strength. It was the generals and soldiers who truly fought and bled on the battlefield."

At this moment, a maid also said, "Miss Lin, you are not only formidable on the battlefield, but you are also very kind and approachable to us in daily life. You teach us to read and write, and you care about our lives. We are very grateful to you."

Lin Wan'er looked at the maids gently: "You all perform your duties in the mansion and manage the General's Mansion in an orderly manner. I should thank you."

As the servants relaxed into a lighthearted conversation, they began to share amusing anecdotes from the household, and bursts of laughter echoed through the dining room.

The head chef stood up, somewhat embarrassed, and said, "General, Miss Lin, I had the honor of assisting Miss Lin in preparing the dishes on this table today. Seeing how much you enjoy them, I am very gratified. Miss Lin's culinary skills are superb, and I have also learned many new cooking techniques."

Xiao Yichen nodded and praised, "The dishes today were indeed delicious. You all worked hard. If there is an opportunity in the future, you can exchange cooking skills with Wan'er to make the food in the General's Mansion even more delicious and diverse."

As their interactions deepened, the servants felt increasingly closer to Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er. They sensed their masters' respect and care, and their hearts were filled with warmth and gratitude.

This meal was not just about sharing delicious food, but also about the exchange of emotions. In the general's mansion's dining room, the master and servants sat together, celebrating the arrival of peace and enjoying this rare moment of warmth and joy. At this moment, the general's mansion seemed to become a true family, filled with unity, friendship, and harmony.

After the meal, the servants rose and bowed to Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er to express their gratitude.

"Thank you for your hospitality, General and Miss Lin. We will certainly work even harder to serve our master."

Xiao Yichen smiled and said, "Everyone, please go. I hope that today's events will bring us closer together, like a family."

After the servants left, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er exchanged a smile. They knew that this invitation had not only warmed the hearts of the servants but also strengthened the cohesion of the General's Mansion. In the days to come, they would continue to work together to protect this home full of love and hope, contributing their strength to the prosperity and stability of Rong Kingdom.

Sunlight streamed into the courtyard of the General's Mansion, leaving behind a lingering warmth from the recently concluded meal. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er stood at the courtyard gate, watching the servants gradually depart, their expressions filled with satisfaction and gratitude.

"Wan'er, seeing them so happy fills my heart with joy as well." Xiao Yichen turned slightly to Lin Wan'er and said softly, his eyes revealing a serene contentment.

Lin Wan'er nodded gently, a tender smile playing on her lips: "Yes, General. This General's Mansion is like a big family. It's wonderful that we can all be so close and share joy."

As they were talking, a gentle breeze blew by, causing the flowers in the courtyard to sway softly and release a delicate fragrance. Xiao Yichen raised his head, his gaze sweeping over the familiar courtyard, his heart filled with emotion. Once, this was his haven of brief respite during the intervals of war; now, it held even more warmth and hope for peacetime.

"Wan'er, let's take a walk in this courtyard." Xiao Yichen reached out and gently took Lin Wan'er's soft hand.

Lin Wan'er was slightly taken aback, then a faint blush rose to her cheeks. She lowered her head slightly and placed her hand in Xiao Yichen's palm: "Okay."

They walked slowly along the path in the courtyard, the stone slabs beneath their feet smooth and even, worn down by time. The roadside was lush with flowers and plants, a riot of colors in full bloom, butterflies fluttering among the blossoms, seemingly cheering for this peaceful scene.

As Xiao Yichen gazed at the beautiful scenery around him, his thoughts drifted back to the battlefield. The brutal battle scenes and the brothers who had shared life and death with him played out in his mind like a movie.

“Wan’er, whenever I see this peaceful courtyard, I am reminded of the smoke and fire of war on the battlefield. The peace we enjoy today is truly hard-won.” Xiao Yichen’s voice was low and solemn.

Lin Wan'er gently grasped Xiao Yichen's hand, as if wanting to give him strength and comfort: "General, the war is over. What we need to do now is to cherish this hard-won peace and strive to make Rong Kingdom more prosperous and strong."

Xiao Yichen turned to look at Lin Wan'er, his eyes filled with gratitude and love: "Wan'er, with you by my side, I feel full of strength. In the days to come, no matter what difficulties and challenges I face, I am confident that I can overcome them."

The two strolled through the courtyard and unknowingly arrived at a pavilion deep within it. A babbling stream surrounded the pavilion, in which colorful fish swam. They entered the pavilion and sat down on the stone benches.

Lin Wan'er raised her head, looked at the crossbeam above the pavilion, and slowly said, "General, I remember that you once ordered the construction of this pavilion. At that time, you said that you hoped there would be a quiet corner in this busy general's mansion where you could think about military strategies and relax your mind in your spare time."

Xiao Yichen nodded slightly: "That's right. Back then, I was preoccupied with how to protect Rong Kingdom and resist foreign enemies. But now, I hope to have more time to enjoy tea and flowers with you in this pavilion and savor this peaceful moment."

As he spoke, Xiao Yichen took out an exquisite sachet from his pocket and handed it to Lin Wan'er: "Wan'er, this is something I obtained by chance on the battlefield. Although it is not a precious item, I think it suits you very well."

Lin Wan'er took the sachet. It was embroidered with exquisite patterns and emitted a faint, pleasant fragrance. A hint of surprise flashed in her eyes: "General, this sachet is beautiful. I like it very much. Thank you."

Seeing Lin Wan'er's happy expression, Xiao Yichen was also filled with joy: "As long as you're happy."

Just then, a clear laugh came from outside the pavilion. They turned around and saw several maids carrying tea and snacks walking towards the pavilion.

"General, Miss Lin, these are some refreshments that the kitchen just prepared. We've brought them to you." A maid said with a smile.

Xiao Yichen smiled and nodded: "Put it down."

The maids placed the tea and snacks on the stone table and then withdrew. Lin Wan'er looked at the tea and snacks on the table, a hint of curiosity in her eyes: "General, what kind of tea and snacks are these? They look very exquisite."

Xiao Yichen picked up a pastry and handed it to Lin Wan'er: "This is an osmanthus cake that I specially ordered the kitchen to make. Please try it."

Lin Wan'er took the osmanthus cake and took a small bite. The delicate fragrance of osmanthus instantly filled her mouth; the cake was soft and chewy, sweet but not cloying.

"Mmm, delicious. This osmanthus cake has a very unique flavor." Lin Wan'er praised it highly.

Xiao Yichen also picked up a piece of osmanthus cake and put it in his mouth to taste: "This osmanthus cake is made from osmanthus flowers from the courtyard and has a rich osmanthus fragrance. I remember you once said that you really like the fragrance of osmanthus, so I asked the kitchen to make this tea snack."

Lin Wan'er was deeply moved. She looked at Xiao Yichen with affection in her eyes: "General, you are always so thoughtful and remember every word I have said."

The two sat in the pavilion, enjoying tea and snacks while admiring the beautiful scenery of the courtyard. Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the pavilion, casting golden dappled patterns on them. At that moment, time seemed to stand still; they were immersed in the joy of reunion and the tranquil happiness of peace, forgetting all the disturbances and troubles of the outside world.

In these peaceful days, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er enjoyed each other's company in the courtyard of the General's Mansion, feeling the sweetness of love and the warmth of family. They knew that the road ahead was still long, but as long as they walked hand in hand, they would surely be able to create a better tomorrow.

The General's Mansion was peaceful and serene, where Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er were immersed in this rare and warm moment. They sat facing each other in the pavilion in the courtyard, enjoying delicious osmanthus cakes, their eyes filled with love and tenderness.

Suddenly, the tranquility was shattered by the rapid sound of galloping hooves. The sound grew louder as it approached, then abruptly stopped before the general's mansion gates. Immediately following, a commanding shout rang out: "By imperial decree, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er, receive the decree!"

Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er were slightly taken aback, then quickly stood up, straightened their clothes, and strode towards the gate of the mansion. The servants of the General's Mansion also rushed over from all directions and knelt down neatly in the courtyard.

The gates of the mansion swung open, and an imperial envoy dressed in magnificent court robes, holding a bright yellow imperial edict, strode into the general's residence with his head held high. Behind the envoy followed two guards, their faces stern and their posture upright.

Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er walked up to the envoy, knelt down, and bowed their heads respectfully: "Your subject Xiao Yichen (Lin Wan'er) receives the decree."

The envoy unfurled the imperial edict, cleared his throat, and loudly proclaimed: "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: The turmoil on the borders of Rong Kingdom has now been quelled, all thanks to the bravery and skill of General Xiao Yichen and the wisdom and intelligence of Lady Lin Wan'er. You two protected the people of Rong Kingdom and safeguarded our land and state amidst the flames of war, your merits are unparalleled, truly pillars of the nation. I am deeply gratified and hereby issue this decree to commend you. Xiao Yichen is promoted to Grand General Protector of the Nation, and is bestowed with ten thousand taels of gold, a thousand acres of fertile land, a hundred sets of brocade robes, and a mansion, in recognition of his achievements. Lin Wan'er is granted the title of First-Rank Lady, and is rewarded with countless pearls and agates, a thousand bolts of silk and satin. Her father and brothers will all receive imperial favors, and her family will be honored. I hope you will continue to serve the prosperity of Rong Kingdom. This is the imperial decree!"

Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er shouted in unison, "Thank you for your great favor, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor!"

The messenger stepped forward and handed the imperial edict to Xiao Yichen: "General Xiao, congratulations! Your meritorious service is a blessing to the Rong Kingdom. This is the list of rewards from the Emperor. Please take a look."

Xiao Yichen stood up, accepted the imperial edict and list with both hands, and said respectfully, "Thank you, Your Excellency. I will certainly live up to His Majesty's high expectations and dedicate myself to the Rong Kingdom until my dying breath."

The envoy smiled and nodded: "His Majesty is well aware of General Xiao's loyalty. Then I will return to the palace to report back."

Xiao Yichen said, "Please take care, Your Excellency."

After the messenger and guards left, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er turned and walked into the general's mansion. The servants gathered around to congratulate them.

"Congratulations, General! Congratulations, General!"

"Miss Lin, it is truly a joyous occasion that you have now become a first-rank imperial consort!"

Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er smiled and thanked everyone. Butler Li stepped forward and said excitedly, "General, this is a great joy! The Emperor's reward is so generous, which shows the General's status in the Emperor's heart."

Xiao Yichen frowned slightly: "Uncle Li, it is our duty to protect our country and we should not place too much importance on these rewards."

Lin Wan'er gently tugged at Xiao Yichen's sleeve: "General, this is the Emperor's recognition and reward for you, and also an encouragement to all the soldiers of Rong Kingdom. We should be grateful for the Emperor's grace and work even harder for the future of Rong Kingdom."

Xiao Yichen nodded slightly upon hearing this: "Wan'er is right. We cannot let the Emperor down and must carefully plan the development of Rong Kingdom."

With that, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er entered the hall and sat down on chairs. Xiao Yichen looked at the imperial edict and list of rewards in his hands, his mind filled with complex emotions. He knew that these rewards were not only a personal honor for him, but also an affirmation of the Rong Kingdom's army. However, he also understood that the Rong Kingdom faced many challenges in peacetime, which he needed to address one by one.

Lin Wan'er seemed to see through Xiao Yichen's thoughts, and she said softly, "General, now that the war is over, we can focus more on domestic development. For example, we can strengthen military training and improve the quality of our soldiers; we can build water conservancy projects and develop agriculture; and we can encourage commerce and trade to promote economic prosperity."

Xiao Yichen nodded in agreement: "Wan'er, you are absolutely right. We must also attach importance to cultural education, cultivate more talents, and lay the foundation for the long-term development of Rong Kingdom."

Just then, a soldier came to report: "General, the court officials have heard that you have returned in triumph and received a great reward from the Emperor, and they have all come to congratulate you. They are already waiting outside the mansion."

Xiao Yichen stood up: "Please invite them in."

A short while later, several court officials entered the hall. They smiled and offered their congratulations to Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er.

"General Xiao, you have truly rendered a great service to the Rong Kingdom this time!"

"Miss Lin's mind-reading ability played a huge role on the battlefield; she truly is a woman who is just as capable as any man!"

Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er humbly responded to the ministers' congratulations. Afterwards, they discussed the development plan of Rong Kingdom with the ministers.

The ministers expressed their opinions freely and offered many valuable suggestions. Some ministers advocated strengthening diplomatic relations with neighboring countries and resolving disputes through peaceful negotiations; others suggested increasing investment in scientific and technological research and development to improve Rongguo's productivity; still others proposed focusing on people's livelihoods and improving their living conditions.

Xiao Yichen listened attentively to the ministers' opinions, occasionally exchanging ideas and discussing with them. He knew that the development of Rong Kingdom required the joint efforts of all parties, and only by pooling wisdom could a more comprehensive development strategy be formulated.

Lin Wan'er also actively participated in the discussion, and her wisdom and insights were recognized and appreciated by the ministers.

After in-depth discussions, Xiao Yichen and his ministers initially determined the development direction of Rong Kingdom. They will simultaneously exert efforts in multiple fields such as military, economy, culture, and diplomacy, striving to build Rong Kingdom into a prosperous, strong, and peaceful nation.

After the ministers left, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er felt a little tired, but their eyes were filled with determination and hope. They knew that the road ahead would be full of challenges, but they were confident that with their wisdom and courage, they could lead Rong Kingdom to a more glorious tomorrow.